Intercostal Neuralgia

Clinically, the treatment response for intercostal neuralgia is classified as follows: ① Acute myofascial (simple irritation): Significant improvement within 2 to 4 weeks; ② Thoracic spine joint/disc causes: 50 to 70% improvement with 4 to 8 weeks of consistent treatment; ③ Post-herpetic neuralgia: Often requires long-term treatment of 3 to 6 months. It is common practice to re-evaluate the approach if there is no reduction of 30% or more in NRS (pain rating) scores within two weeks of starting treatment. The recovery process in Korean medicine proceeds in three stages: ① Restoration of blocked energy flow → ② Tissue regeneration as blood clots dissolve → ③ Replenishment of the body's regenerative capacity (prevention of recurrence). In the acute phase, stages 1 and 2 progress rapidly, allowing for noticeable improvement within 2 to 4 weeks. In the chronic stage where blood clots are present, stages 2 and 3 require more time. At Dongjedang, we verify the treatment response and adjust the plan through an interim evaluation at the 4-week mark. The concurrent administration of herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution plays a role in accelerating the progression of each stage.